"Then find the money. Or at least part of it. Between you and Alessandro you should be able to come up with the six million euros. That's all it takes to end this."
"Six million..." He makes a choked sound. "Camilla, I swear to you, I don't have it. I've made bad deals, bad investments. I'm leveraged to the hilt. The creditors are circling. I've already tried to borrow money, but no one will touch me. Everyone knows I'm overextended."
"There has to be a way. Sell something. Mortgage something. Papa, please!"
"Don't you think I've tried?" His voice rises desperately. "I've spent the last three days trying to find the money. Calling in every favor, every connection. But I'm drowning, Camilla. I can't even borrow enough to keep my own business afloat, let alone pay a six million euro ransom. It's not even my debt!"
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
"Alessandro. It has to be Alessandro." There's bitterness in his voice now. "This is his debt. His mess. He's the one who owes Vitiello the money. He has resources, connections, actual liquidity. He has to be the one to pay."
"But what if he doesn't?"
Silence.
"Papa? What if Alessandro doesn't pay?"
"Then..." His voice breaks. "Then I don't know. I don't know. But you have to make him understand. Make him see what will happen to you. He's not a monster. He wouldn't let his future daughter-in-law be sold to criminals. Think of the damage it would do to his family's reputation?"
"Wouldn't he?" The question comes out before I can stop it. "He's known for days that I've been taken. Has he tried to speak to me? Has he demanded proof of life? Has he done anything except negotiate?"
"I don't know. He's kept me out of it, said it was his problem to solve. But Camilla..." He pauses. "Be careful with Alessandro. He's not like us. He thinks differently. Everything is business to him, even family."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying make sure he understands what's at stake. The actual consequences. Don't let him think of this as just another negotiation." Another pause. "And Camilla? If the worst happens. If he doesn't pay and you end up with one of these men...try to survive. You're a strong girl. You can make it through. Do whatever you have to do. Stay alive."
"Papa—"
"I love you. Never forget that. I love you, and I'm so sorry I can't save you."
The line goes dead.
I'm crying now, can't stop the tears streaming down my face. My father loves me in his own way. I heard it in every word. But love isn't enough when you're bankrupt and weak.
Renato hands me a tissue, his face carefully blank as he takes the phone and pulls up the final contact.
"Last call. Alessandro Rossi." His voice is flat. "The man who actually owes me the money. Let's see what he has to say."
Alessandro answers on the first ring, his voice smooth as oil.
"Camilla, sweetheart. I was wondering when Vitiello would allow us to speak."
The casual tone, like we're arranging a dinner party, makes my skin crawl after my father's tears.
"Alessandro, I need your help. Please."
"Of course, of course. This whole situation is terribly unfortunate. I've been working day and night to resolve it."
"Have you?" I can't keep the edge from my voice. "Because I've been here for days, and you haven't once asked to speak to me. Lorenzo says you told him not to complicate the negotiations with emotional appeals."
A brief pause. "I said that it was important to handle Vitiello professionally. The man responds to business terms. Surely you understand that?"
"What I understand is that you owe him six million euros, and instead of paying it, you've let me sit here wondering if anyone cares whether I live or die."
"Don't be dramatic, dear. You're perfectly safe. Vitiello won't harm you. He's a businessman. He wants his money, that's all."
"Is that what you think? That this is all just pressure?" I take a shaky breath. "Alessandro, I've seen the files on the men who are coming to bid on me. There's a Saudi businessman. Do you know what he does to the women he purchases?"
